St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity Bulletin
Vol. 12 No. 10   November 2007

Franciscan column
by Maria

Brothers and Sisters in Christ and Francis,

"I am thankful to God for .... my family, my church family and my Franciscan family, friends, my health, my home", etc. This is the way our thanksgiving dinner starts. And even though our older children have grown into strong-minded individuals, some with families of their own, and all with changing opinions on faith, religion and church, I insist on keeping this tradition to verbalize what is deepest in our hearts. When I hear the words from my oldest son that he is thankful for his family, his wife, his daughters and his job, it touches my heart. I know it touches his wife's heart and I'm sure it touches God's heart. How often do we verbalize our appreciation to God and each other for those gifts given and shared each day? We as Christians and especially as Franciscans should start each day with praise and prayers of thanksgiving. Do you, like me, need to be challenged at times to verbalize prayers of thanksgiving in front of family, friends and coworkers. And to let others know how much it means to you - who they are and what specific things they do that you are thankful for. I blossom up inside and desire to be even more giving of myself when someone lets me know how thankful they are for me. I hope we all will share prayers of thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22nd. I encourage you all to go a step further and tell the people in your lives that you are thankful for them, making it personal, and that you will touch their hearts and give glory to God.